Overview & Reviews

Popularized by NASCAR dominance and later a hokey TV show, the Dodge Charger is one of America's most revered performance nameplates. Originally an icon of the muscle car era, the Charger was reborn as an affordable performance sedan -- and it's one of the better ones available in this market niche.

The current Dodge Charger may not be the two-door muscle car you remember from the '60s (to the chagrin of traditionalists, it's a four-door sedan), but it does a fine job of being a modern interpretation. As a bonus, the latest Charger has a usable interior and plenty of standard equipment. Think of it as a muscle car the whole family can enjoy.

Current Dodge Charger
The current Dodge Charger is based on the same platform used for the Chrysler 300. As such, the Charger has four doors and is a fairly large sedan. Its front-end styling is much more aggressive than the 300C's, and the rear roof line slopes downward in a coupelike fashion.

The current Charger is available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T, SRT8 and SRT8 Superbee. The SE and SRT8 trims are only offered with rear-wheel drive, while the SXT and R/T can be rear-drive or all-wheel drive.

The SE and SXT come with a 3.5-liter 292-horsepower V6 engine that achieves good fuel economy given its output. Adding the Rallye Appearance Group or Blacktop package raises horsepower to 300. A five-speed automatic is standard on the SE; an eight-speed automatic is optional for the SE and standard for all SXTs.

Stepping up to the R/T gets you a 370-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine along with a sport-tuned suspension and a variety of luxury, convenience and technology items that are mostly available as options on the V6 trims. The R/T's Super Track Pak gets you additional handling and braking upgrades, including a three-mode adjustable stability control system.

The SRT8 ups the performance ante further by essentially pairing the Super Track Pak items with a 470-hp 6.4-liter V8. It gets an abundance of luxury features standard, but should you be OK with less stuff, the decontented SRT8 Superbee should do the trick. We hope you like yellow or black paint, though, as they are mandatory, along with some not-so-subtle Superbee graphics.

The current Charger scores points not only for the plentiful power output of its big V8 engines, but the ample grunt and decent fuel economy of the entry-level V6 as well. The spacious cabin, improvements in ride quality and interior design also contribute to the overall appeal. There are a couple downsides, notably a lack of rear headroom and lifeless steering, but overall the Dodge Charger is one of the most fun-to-drive large sedans on the market.

Used Dodge Charger Models
The current Dodge Charger was heavily overhauled for 2011. Although it maintained the platform of its predecessor, it is largely a redesigned model. Besides styling changes, interior quality, driving involvement and overall refinement were dramatically improved. Its new V6 engine was also a huge step up from the old six-cylinders. In the current Charger's first year, only the SE and R/T trim levels were available.

Although it's closely related to the current model, the Dodge Charger from 2006-'10 differed in many ways. At its debut, only SE, R/T and SRT8 trims were available. The SE had a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6, while the R/T had a 340-hp version of the current car's 5.7-liter V8. The SRT8 came with a 6.1-liter V8 good for 425 hp. All came with a five-speed automatic transmission. For 2007, a 190-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine became standard on the SE, while the 3.5 became optional.

From 2006-'10 Dodge offered a couple performance packages for the Challenger R/T -- the Daytona and Road/Track packages included sport-tuned suspension and steering. There was a SXT trim level from 2008-'10; it came standard with the 3.5-liter V6. Other notable changes for this period included an improved interior and new features in 2008 and an increase to 368 hp for the R/T for '09.

Overall, we were impressed by this revived Charger's spacious cabin, comfy ride, affordable price and available all-wheel drive. Of course, the big V8 was a nice bonus as well. However, the V6 engines were always disappointing, especially the 190-hp 2.7-liter, which was both underpowered and inefficient. As such, we would avoid it. The cabin also had a low-buck feel (even after the interior was improved for '08), with subpar materials and forgettable design. Rear seat entry was also hampered by the sloping roof line. But overall, this Charger will be a solid choice for a large sedan.

From a historical standpoint, the Dodge Charger originally debuted as a1966 model. This Coronet-based coupe had a unique look, with a sweeping fastback and concealed headlights. But it's the second generation of the Charger that was most popular. This was the one that served as the basis for the winged and race-wining Charger Daytona of 1969 and, later, the bright orange "General Lee" from the 1980s television show The Dukes of Hazzard.

Less popular were three successive generations of Chargers. Third- and fourth-generation models from the 1970s were emasculated by new emissions regulations. A fifth generation, made available from 1982-'87, was a variation of the front-drive Dodge Omni 024 economy hatchback. Near the end of its production, there were sporty, turbocharged versions modified by Carroll Shelby that culminated in the Shelby Charger GLH-S.

User Reviews:

• 

  Fantastic example of modern muscle car! - 2013 Dodge Charger
  By Michael Arnold - October 22 - 3:50 am

  Its a crowd pleaser everywhere it goes. Unbelievable driving characteristics and performance. Will certainly become a valued classic!

• 

  Second SRT8 - Great Cars! - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By James Nelson - October 12 - 5:02 pm

  Traded a 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT392 for this one. Actually wanted this car back then, but bought the Challenger based on a good deal. Im not a family guy, but I prefer sedans for their short doors and all around practicality. The Car: 2015 Dodge Charger SRT392, 8 Spd Auto, pitch black, fully optioned except for sun roof. What attracted me to this car: Im a car enthusiast, so I follow car reviews on YouTube continually. I love the power and torque of the 392 and was interested in the Hellcat models as well if the price was right. The reviews on this car convinced me that it was a major leap forward from the 2012 I owned, and the price gouging on the Hellcats (Shame on you Dodge dealers nationwide! You will come to regret this!) convinced me that they were not feasible. Major Selling Points: Upgraded electronics interface and SRTs tires/wheels/brakes package, which are essentially identical between the 392 and Hellcat. Most Surprising Aspects: Overall fit and finish, luxuriousness of the interior, and attention to detail. The interior now feels like an upscale European car in every way, the pitch black paint job is absolutely blinding in full sunlight, the new front end styling is stunning from every angle, and the center stack electronic interface is by far the most useful and attractive Ive ever seen. Little things I love already: The Harmon Kardon 19 speaker stereo subwoofer and amp, which had been previously hidden in the spare tire well of the trunk (and still is on Challenger models), has been relocated to parts unknown under the rear seat, freeing up the trunk sub-space for a foam storage unit thats perfect for holding car cleaning supplies and the like so that they dont slide around in the trunk. Also, both the floor mats and a quite useful mesh trunk "cargo hammock" are included gratis. The little things make a BIG difference! Thanks for noticing Dodge! Most surprising thing so far: Gas mileage. MUCH better than my 2012 SRT Challenger so far! I chalk most of that up to the Sachs ZF-8 Speed auto trans, which is almost worth the price of ownership alone. Recommendation: If youre in the market, buy one!

• 

  Sad to see it go - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By juan perez - October 12 - 11:23 am

  Bought this car New, in 2012, loved the color and interior, the 20in rims look beast. The Car drove like a beast, even parked, it looked tuff. high way driving the best.. passing cars, it was man and machine as one. I really took care of this car being my first ever major purchase, so very few hard drives, dealer service oil changes, reg car wash and vacuum,, mostly weekend family trips. until 30k, first service sparkplugs +/-$300. After that I started to notice more, Bluetooth had a hard time to sync with multiple devices hooked up, transmission shifting got jumpy, One rim cracked twice then another, took it to dealer and not there problem but I could buy a set of factory rims for $$$$. to repair $100 each time. guess which way I went? then at 60k sparkplugs again? another $300.. then I couldnt get Dealer to fix my driver side airbag light on dash under warranty, oh, but after warranty expired.. now they want to fix it for $$$.. then the battery died, couldnt jump start the car, had to buy a booster. Battery replaced new from autozone $200. wife took car to dealer, they charged her $800 for service and the airbag light.. that ends up coming on again right before she drove it home???? Might be normal spending for some but not for me, having a Toyota Tacoma base pickup, that I bought also new in 2010.. now having close to 100k and only service where oil changes.... So I drove my beast Charger R/T to the Toyota dealer and drove off in a 2016 Tacoma TRD 4x4 Offroad.. Maybe in 10yrs ill buy a 2012 charger r/t , by then they should be preety cheap..

• 

  Best car for the money! - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By Jack Bagala - September 20 - 8:53 pm

  It is lightning fast and very comfortable. Technology is excellent as well.

• 

  Beauty runs skin deep - 2012 Dodge Charger
  By Wayne Wease - September 19 - 9:51 pm

  I bought this car used from a local dealer,Ive had nothing but problems with the way the transmission downshifts.I found out that the transmission was replaced a few thousand miles before i puchased it.It had 35,380,dealer never told me nothing .It feels like the engine is trying to run at higher rpms and the brakes dont want to stop correctly.I got no satisfaction from the dealer and tried another,they downloaded new software and told me it was not covered under warranty or any extended warranty that i purchased seperatly.I paid the amount and it still did not take care of problem,service told me to give it time to learn my driving habits,it never got better.Since then my big screen that controls everything has locked up twice,they had to do updates on.I had problems with drivers side window and i could go on and on.Iam very disappointed in this vehical and have only had it for 10 monthes.It does run down the highway nice and is a good looking car.I wish i had some help in resolving these issues.I would look over other sedans if i were you.I will probably trade it after the new year.

• 

  Looks great.... - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - September 13 - 7:43 am

  Great looking full size car. But after that nothing but problems. Front end is weak even with my wifes driving. Needed new tie rods and tension struts before 50k miles. The blinkers malfunctioned, the clock spring in the steering wheel broke. Hvac recirculation door broke/stuck on recirculate so it constantly fogs up when cold. Now 2 recalls, one for an airbag and one for the ignition. Luckily we purchased the dealer extended warranty, which I never do for anything.

• 

  Big Chunky Ride - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By Dan - September 12 - 8:15 pm

  Weighing in at 3800 pounds is the reason its big chunky. Its also the reason the car is hard on control arms, tie rods, and suspension. The motor is solid but it revs down real slow for some reason and has a "hemi tick" in the winter when its first started. Also a gnarly delay when you stab the throttle and when the rpms actually react to it,,, weird. The instrument panel has awkward half points that dont anything in between the floor / seat / dash air options. When turn the AC off or change from floor to dash position it actually takes about 8 seconds to respond. Full size sedan the corners stretch far on the blind spot beast. My car has had all struts replaced, also the lower control arms and now the upper ball joints are shot.

• 

  Warning Lights - 2008 Dodge Charger
  By TSK - September 11 - 12:00 pm

  Had my 2008 Dodge Charger SE for about 3 years n now Im approaching 100,000 miles, Im having problems with the Electronic Throttle Control warning lights. While driving for a certain amount of time, that light n the traction light comes on. Have changed several things n those lights still come on. Read several reviews n others complain of the same problem. Why isnt this a safety recall because I dont like driving a car that no one can fix.

• 

  Bold and Beauty Bravely - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By eddie - September 9 - 10:18 pm

  I have the rallye SXT model which comes with the beats. Its lighter on the road and moves with ease. DODGE is definitely winning the trust and market of car lovers. I will go in for the dodge charger any day any time. I was born DODGE.

• 

  Nice car - 2015 Dodge Charger
  By Jim - September 1 - 1:33 am

  I live in a rural area and a full size vehicle plays a vital role for a number of things, specifically safety. Wildlife tend to be suicidal. Winter tends to over stay its welcome and the number of big rigs on the road out number the little ones by a huge amount. I researched many of the full to mid-sized sedans. I wanted and need a few specific things, such as 4 doors, sporty feel, sporty look but didnt destroy my gas bill too bad. I looked at the Camaro, Mustang, Challenger, then the Accord, Toyota and BMWs. For the money, hands down the Charger took the cake. The Camaro and Mustang were hard to pass up but for the value, it just didnt do it for me plus I wanted 4 doors. The mid-size cars just didnt provide much more for a few miles to the gallon. They had a tinny feel and were too compact feeling. The Charger is a spunky, responsive and comfortable car that also turns heads all under 30K. Coupled with the warrantys, it was hard to beat.